Climate Trends Air Quality Series – Citizen Matters, Chennai

Nearly a third of Kodungaiyur residents have difficulty breathing, but no action on waste dump

May 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

An in-depth survey by CAG revealed the presence of heavy metals at Chennai’s Kodungaiyur dump yard. As it has a direct, visible impact on public health, remediation of the dump yard is the need of the hour. Realisation, however, does not seem very close.

With PM10 above national standards, why is Chennai still out of the clean air programme?

February 26, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Chennai is the only metro left out of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that lays down a framework to tackle air pollution in 102 cities have not met the clean air standards stipulated. Why is the city excluded, and what does it stand to lose as a result?

Bhogi pollution less this year, says TNPCB, but can Chennai rest easy?

January 15, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Historical data shows that the air quality in Chennai hovers between poor and severe not just during festivals such as Bhogi and Diwali, but often on other days as well. Is the TNPCB up to the challenge?

If you’re in Manali, this is why you are always coughing!

January 14, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Or in Ennore, for that matter. Heavy and polluted emissions from the petrochemical, thermal and fertiliser plants in these areas of north Chennai are taking a heavy toll on health of citizens. Respiratory and skin diseases are the most common.

Lives clouded by dust: Crushing units choke Tirusulam residents

December 4, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Rock crushing and m-sand units operating in the open and trucks ferrying gravel cause serious pollution and health risks in the Tirusulam area; yet they are also a source of livelihood for residents who often hold their peace for that reason.

Dust, dust everywhere: The ignored pollutant in Chennai’s air

November 30, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Unchecked industrial pollution and unplanned construction are creating hazardous levels of dust pollution in the city, but authorities are yet to formulate guidelines for compliance with central rules on construction and demolition waste management.

Can electric vehicles check rising carbon emissions in Chennai?

November 2, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

A recent study has ranked Chennai second among all metros in terms of overall vehicular emissions. It also stands second in fuel consumption. Can electric vehicles provide a solution? What could be the ways to expedite the switch?

What is stopping Chennai autos from taking the LPG route?

October 12, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Vehicular pollution is a critical problem in Chennai and yet more than 25000 auto-rickshaws continue to ply on diesel and petrol. Why are auto drivers unwilling to switch over to LPG, despite enjoying assurance of subsidies under government policy?

Ignorance, corruption or lax policing: What ails PUC checks of Chennai’s 54 lakh vehicles?

September 28, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Some bribe a centre and get a ‘Pollution Under Control’ certificate. Some take it easy because there’s never any checking anyway, while some are simply unaware. This, in a city that ranks second in the country in terms of polluting emissions from vehicles.

Mileage, check. Colour, check. Did you check emissions from your new vehicle?

September 19, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Vehicular emissions are among the chief sources of pollutants in Chennai’s air. But how many people know that they can check the environmental performance of their vehicle at the time of buying, by looking at a document that the dealer is mandated by law to provide to every customer?